Hello everyone,
I am going to refrain from putting my entire story on the internet. It is very personal and I would rather not share it with everyone. I’ll keep it very short.
I come from a broken home and both my parents abuse drugs. My sophomore year alone I transferred school three times. My junior year I transferred two times. I also transfered once again my Senior year. So all in all I’ve been to seven high schools.
I have been homeless and I have lived on my own in a apartment for a semester. I paid a phone bill of $110 a month and a rent of 200-400$ a month. I also paid for all other basic necessities.
There is so much more to my story but once again I would rather not have it posted on he internet. I want to attend a top college but my grades are lacking for obvious reasons. Do you think it would be worth it to talk with some one in admissions about my story? Thank you, all advice welcome.
Many apps have a place to put that kind of thing–essay, etc. I don’t think specifically searching out someone from admissions would be the best route?
Have your guidance counselor address this in their recommendation. Also see about being declared independent which will allow you to qualify for larger loans and potential grants. Good luck
I agree, I just think it would be better to talk one on one with some one. That way they can get a better understanding of my situation. They could also answer any questions I have and give me some advice.
This sounds similar to a situation that was posted on CC a month or so ago.
@Erin’s Dad thank you for the advice. Unfortunately I am unable to declare myself independent. I finally have a stable home with a relative who takes care of me. Declaring myself independent would mean she would lose the benefits that she receives for taking care of me. I will speak with my GC though!
This sounds like something that would be most appropriately addressed in your application essay. It’s likely to have more of an impact there than it would by talking to a single admissions rep about it over the phone. Direct contact like that isn’t likely to really make much of a difference in my opinion.
@comfortablycurt Thanks for the input! In your opinion do you think my circumstances would make much of a difference?
It certainly could. Fighting through tough situations like this can make for a very good college essay, as long as it doesn’t come off as a pity party.
so sorry to hear about this! this would definitely help your case in college admissions, especially if you were/able to do well despite your obstacles
@comfortablycurt I have already wrote a essay I would like to send to the college I want to attend. I would like to send it to you so you could tell me what you think. Would that be okay?
If you go to the College Essays section of College Confidential, there are actually lists of posters that read many admissions essays for college applicants. Many of them are much more qualified to give you input on it than I am.
I presume you have test scores, powerful recommendations and can write a “top college” worthy essay? No amount of explaining can repair an application that falls short on multiple fronts.
@Mr13652, you need to really assess where you could thrive. I am afraid that if you have been in 7 high schools, you may be lacking the foundational academic skills that will allow you to graduate midway or above among your classmates. You want to be properly prepared to take full advantage of any university you attend.
You may wish to sit down with a mentor- your high school guidance counselor or someone else familiar with academia- and hash out your strengths and weaknesses. Really quantify them.
Then come up with a plan to get you where you want to be. I would even look at trying to not graduate (public education is free until you graduate). You can take courses through EdX and other online forums, or through university extension programs if you would like to apply to top colleges as a freshman.
Otherwise if you have a good community college system in your state, you could enhance your skills at a community college and then transfer to a 4 year college. Once you attend a community college, you cannot enter as a freshman at most universities. You will likely qualify for need-based financial aid, so it is not a financial worry, but some schools can be harder to enter as a transfer student than as a freshman (maybe twice as hard?). Others are about the same (such as community college --> University of California as an in-state applicant).
First, quantitatively assess your strengths and weaknesses, identify an array of target schools, then devise a plan so that you will succeed at your target schools, if you get in. Your story will help you, since it shows that you have perseverance, optimism, and focus; all of which have been proven through research to contribute to successful college outcomes. Colleges want to feel sure their applicants will thrive and succeed if they attend. Focus on showing (not telling) them that through test scores, recommendations, and grades.
@JustOneDad I have a great essay written and I can get solid recommendations. I have registered for the SAT twice this year but both times have failed to get a ride there. I am taking the one in may. I have two SAT books and I study them everyday for at least two hours
OP, did a court award your relative custody? If so you probably already qualify to be considered independent.
http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/federal-financial-aid-and-the-independent-student
@Erin’sDad I never got the court involved. I just stay with my relative and she takes care of me. She claims me on her taxes as a dependent. Because of that I don’t want to declare myself independent. I don’t have any money to give her, the least I can do is help her out with her taxes.
Being a dependent for FAFSA is different from being dependent for tax purposes.
Being a dependent for FAFSA means that your parents or legal guardian are expected to be the primary payers of your college costs. If your relative is not your legal guardian then she is not obligated to pay for your college.
If you can document your period of homelessness then I think you would qualify for being independent on FAFSA. That would be good because you would get better Financial Aid.
You really need to find an adult who is experienced in college apps, like maybe your Guidance Counselor, to sit down with you and go through your situation and figure out your strategy. It may include delaying graduation as suggested upthread.
Also, keep doing timed practice SAT tests until you can take the test.
I wish you all the best of luck and I will be saying a prayer for your success.
I’ve suffered a lot because of the situation I have been dealt. I’m ready to get my education and make something of myself. All my life I have had nothing. I’m sick and tired of it. Delaying graduation is not a option for me. I have talked to a GC in my school and I qualify for grants. I’ll go see her again soon to get specifics. I am also in the Army National Guard and they will pay a lot of money for me to attend school as well.
It is true that my circumstances have hindered me academically. But I have done well considering what has been thrown at me. My GPA is between 3.00 and 3.50. I think that GPA speaks volumes about how much I value education. I guarantee most people would not have been able to accomplish that. Most of them would have collapsed under the pressure and become like their parents.
I am applying to this top college because I believe with all of my heart I exemplify the qualities they are looking for. I have overcome so much. I don’t want pity, I want to show them what has been thrown at me and how I have pushed through all of it. I am truly unique in this regard. It is at least worth sending them my story. If they decide that I’m not for them then I will understand. I do have back up plans.
Thank you all for the advice! It really helps!